What does it take for an American to permanently move to Europe??

Question

I have never been to Europe, but have always been interested in moving there.

I would like to move to Greece.

I know the German and Spanish and English languages.

How much money is needed for the move?

Thank you for your help.

Answer 1

I visited once before moving here with my husband. While on vacation I thought it was a beautiful place, I loved the people and the culture, the way of life, etc. Now that I am here, I want to go back home!!! (to the US) The German I learned in school is SO much different from the way they speak here and it is very hard for me to communicate, if at all.

Anyways, unless you are married to a citizen of the country you want to move to, you need to apply for a visa, which can be denied. After that, you need to find an apartment and make sure it will be ready for you when you get there. Pay the security deposit and first few months rent, about $2500+. Make sure you have a job so you can pay for that apartment and so you can eat. Do you want to buy a car?  Do you plan to ship your belongings here or start all over and buy everything new once you get here?

We shipped alot of out things. Some by air freight, $5,000 and here within 1 week. Some by sea freight, $20,000 and tool 7 weeks to arrive. You will have to buy appliances all new because of the different electrical outlets. Our apartment cost us $3,500 before we even got here. Plus airfare. We had to eat out everyday until we could buy a fridge, stove, entire kitchen! My husband has a company car, thankfully! We spent well over $40,000 in the first 2 months of moving.

Its expensive but if you really want to do it, I say go for it. Just start saving and set a budget for yourself

Answer 2

Each country in Europe has its own regulations for foreigners moving into the country.  But certainly each country will require you to have a work permit which the company you work for must secure for you.  In other words, you can't move to Europe until you have a job in Europe.  Europeans countries don't let people come in who may become a burden on society. If you have a job in the U.S., you should find out if your company has branches anywhere in Europe.

The amount of money needed depends largely upon which country you live in.  

I would suggest that you narrow down your area to a region of Europe -- western, central, eastern -- and then visit several countries in that region.  Because of the low value of the American dollar right now, the trip won't be cheap.

Answer 3

You never visited and are thinking about moving? Visit first, take a look at the local scene, look at the real estate prices, job prospects, When you get back, and still want to do this, go to the country's embassy and start the process.

Answer 4

Interesting, just wondering are you black?? not that it matters just going by your avatar pic.

I think you'll need allot (50k and up).  To pick up and move to another country.  You'll have to secure a job, find a place to live, you have to eat.  It's not like you have relatives there that you can stay with until you get on your feet.